N100,000 for skill trainees in FCT

No fewer than 473 persons have graduated from a skill acquisition training programme in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. They were also given N100,000 each as take-off grant to start up their businesses.

Among them were 137 ex-commercial sex workers who were rehabilitated and trained in skills for three months at the FCT rehabilitation centre after the Territory administration announced a clampdown on the activities of commercial sex workers in the city.

The graduate trainees will get another N100,000 after six months following a report of good usage of the initial grant.

The Coordinator of Society Against Prostitution and Child Labour in Nigeria (SAP-CLN), Mrs. Grace Adogo whose non-governmental organisation (NGO) is in charge of the rehabilitation and training explained that the girls at the centre have proved the FCT administration right.

The administration has made the point that commercial sex workers can be rehabilitated and become role models if given the necessary support and facilities to be on their own. The graduation of the skill trainees proved that point.

Mrs. Adogo noted that the centre would continue to provide necessary atmosphere for the rehabilitation and training of commercial sex workers who are ready to be integrated into the larger society, advising members of the public to also assist the girls by accepting them back, rather than stigmatising them.

FCT Minister Bala Mohammed who was represented by the Secretary for Education in the Federal Capital Development Administration, Kabir Usman expressed optimism that the trainees will make good use of the opportunity given to them.